Scene: The relaunch presentation of Perry Ellis America at New York Men’s Day (NYMD) Fall/Winter 2022. It was a rebranding of an American fashion classic with a modern fusion of iconic and bold pieces. The reimagined heritage brand by Perry Ellis’s VP of Design Thomas Harvey was inspired by American landscapes – whether that be a beach in the Northeast, the urban cityscape or out in nature. Kicking off New York Fashion Week was NYMD sponsored by Perry Ellis America.
The brand’s contemporary sportswear reinvention took on a new form with woolen overcoats, track suits, tops, bottoms, and accessories. Bold knitwear was designed with a reimagining of the American flag, recycled cotton denim was presented in contrasting blue-and-white chalk stripes, and bomber jackets received sleek fabric treatment. Collection highlights included a red-and-white hooded logo tracksuit, fleece full-zip jackets, insignia bucket hats and beanies, and oversized tote bags.
Talent for the show: Hair by lead hairstylist Jenelle Oldham and team for Oribe, Makeup by lead makeup artist Jessica Marisol and team on behalf of Aofmpro using Dermalogica, Styling Jim Moore, Casting Trew Productions, Public Relations Agentry PR, Footwear Sperry, and Venue Canoe Studios in Chelsea.
Scene: Leather invitation, with debossed logo and event information, and craft paper string and button envelope for the original Perry Ellis America launch which I designed and produced. The invitation was for the press and guests.
I worked with the fashion designer Perry Ellis. Heather from the advertising and marketing department called my advertising and design studio to set up an appointment to review my work in an interview with her and Perry. A few days later I was asked to join them to discuss various projects they wanted me to be involved with.
The invitation was inspired by the leather Levis label on the back of the jeans. In 1984, Perry Ellis America was created in cooperation with Levi Strauss.
Scene: One of the ads I art directed for Perry Ellis America. Photographed by Douglas Keeve in Coconut Grove, Miami.
Scene: Perry Ellis America Fall/Winter 2022 Presentation.
Scene: VP of Design Thomas Harvey (center) with models wearing his new Perry Ellis America collection. Photo courtesy of Perry Ellis America.
“I don’t make fashion – I make clothes. The clothes cross all the points of my personal lifestyle. They’re to wear in the city or the country, to work, or to go out” Perry Ellis.
Special thanks to Helen Oppenheim, US Correspondent for Peluquerias Magazine, archivist, blogger, and hair historian, for asking me to collaborate during Fashion Week.